To add base flow to an inflow hydrograph, simply add a minimum flow value in the box at the lower left corner of the flow hydrograph editor. Then, for that hydrograph, RAS will use the base flow amount any time the hydrograph flow is less than the minimum flow value.

6 comments:

I do most of my work in very flat areas and have found that I have to generally start with a minimum flow that is around 10% of the peak of the hydrograph. Once I have the model up and running, I reduce the minimum flow until it becomes unstable.

Nice approach to this common problem, Matt. Have you ever tried to figure out at what level of base flow (percentage of peak), you start to influence the results? In class I've always suggested 10% as the highest you'd ever want to go, but I have nothing to back that up...it's just a hunch.

Hi Chris. It has been some time but you once built a Dambreak HEC-RAS model for a project I was managing near Corpus Christi. Anyway, I have a question. I'm managing a project in the Meadowlands NJ. We're using 2D HEC-RAS to model channel improvements in a very flat terrain with high groundwater. What are the options for simulating base flow that is present in channels? We do have an HMS model of the study area as well. I'm viewing the base flow as occupying some of the channel conveyance capacity that, therefore, is not available to convey excess precipitation - which is what we are currently routing through the 2D RAS model.

Hi Michael- Nice to hear from you. For 2D HEC-RAS you have a couple of options to simulate base flow. 1. You can set a level (0 velocity) water surface elevation for your entire 2D area and then let RAS start from there. This is fast and easy, but not super accurate, especially at the beginning of your run, unless the flow in the channel is near 0 fps. 2. You can run some initial conditions time (Options...Calculations Options and Tolerances...2D tab) to let a proper hydraulic gradient develop prior to the actual simulation.

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The Author

Chris Goodell is the Director of Applied Research for WEST Consultants, Inc. and a former HEC-RAS Development Team member. Chris teaches HEC-RAS courses around the world and is the author of the popular book "Breaking the HEC-RAS Code."

"Breaking the HEC-RAS Code"

This book covers one of the most powerful, yet relatively unknown features available in HEC-RAS: the HECRASController! The HECRASController API has a wealth of procedures which allow a programmer to manipulate HEC-RAS externally by setting input data, retrieving input or output data, and performing common functions such as opening and closing HEC-RAS, changing plans, running HEC-RAS, and plotting output.

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